Director Mike Nichols. AP
In a career that spanned over six decades across all entertainment genres, Mike Nichols collaborated with and influenced an array of show business legends. Friends and peers remember Nichols, who died Wednesday at 83.
“An inspiration and joy to know, a director who cried when he laughed, a friend without whom, well, we can’t imagine our world, an indelible, irreplaceable man.” –“Heartburn,” “Silkwood,” “Angels in America,” and “Postcards from the Edge” star Meryl Streep, in a statement
“His musings were like pearls; his jokes were timeless and perfectly placed; his stories were detailed and wholly entertaining; his warm embrace was where you wanted to live forever. He was my most cherished friend.” –“Closer,” and “Charlie Wilson’s War” star Julia Roberts, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter
“’Forward. We must always move forward. Otherwise what will become of us?’ said Mike Nichols, who changed the lives of those who knew him, who loved him, who will miss him so.” –“Charlie Wilson’s War” star Tom Hanks, in a statement
“I can think of no better way to describe this extraordinary human being than to call him a masterpiece… He leaves a huge void in all of our hearts.” –Former US First Lady Nancy Reagan, in a statement
“He had so much more to give. One of the great honors of my career was being chosen by Mike to play Major Major in “Catch-22.” –Comedian Bob Newhart, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter
“Mike had a brilliant cinematic eye and uncanny hearing for keeping scenes ironic and real. Actors never gave him less than their personal best, and then Mike would get from them even more. And in a room full of people, Mike was always the center of gravity.” –Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, in a statement
“Mike Nichols gave me my start. A mentor, friend, colleague. One of the best observers of life.” –Kevin Spacey, whose first film role was in “Heartburn,” on Twitter
“To have been his friend was a blessing. To have worked with him was both a privilege and the best of times. He was my hero.” –”The Real Thing” playwright Tom Stoppard, in a statement
“He made me feel as though I were a full partner or coconspirator in finding clues to solve the puzzle, like a really slow Dr. Watson.” –”What Planet Are You From?” star John Goodman in a statement
“To act for him on camera was to glide on a liquid film of intelligence.” –”Catch-22” and “Carnal Knowledge” actor Art Garfunkel, who also contributed to “The Graduate” soundtrack, in a statement to Billboard
“My dear friend of 47 years. I love and admire Mike Nichols.” –Paul Simon, who contributed to the “The Graduate” soundtrack, in a statement
“Actors loved working with him; his loyal crew spent decades with him.” –Directors Guild of America president Paris Barclay in a statement
“RIP the Great Mike Nichols, elite member of the pantheon of directors whether stage, screen or TV. Any conversation was rich with wit and wisdom.” –Ron Howard, on Twitter
“He directed me in ‘Primary Colors.’ His talent was inimitable and I loved working with him.” –Larry King, on Twitter
“Everyone who knew Mike Nichols at all had this in common. (And this is hard truth.) We felt blessed for every moment we spent with him.” –filmmaker James L. Brooks, on Twitter
“My heart goes out to [his wife] Diane [Sawyer], their families and everyone who marveled at his brilliance.” –news anchor Katie Couric, on Twitter
“Mike Nichols is at the back of Death’s bus, smiling wryly, wondering what’s next as he rides into the ether.” –comedian Patton Oswalt, on Twitter AP